Operational data collected from a communication system, such as a DSL system, may include exclusionary data and/or indicative data that can be analyzed to determine the type of communication device, such as a DSL modem, that generated the operational data. Exclusionary data, if any, can be used to exclude one or more communication device types from consideration. Indicative data, if any, may be used to influence the selection of a communication device type, such as by assigning scores to communication device type features and/or to communication device types. Information pertaining to various communication devices may be maintained in a database or the like. In a DSL system, modem types may be evaluated and selected by a modem identification unit or identifier that collects and analyzes the operational data using collecting means and identifying means. The identifier may be part of a controller, such as a DSM Center or the like implemented in and/or with a computer and coupled to the DSL system. Information such as a modem type selection then can be used by the controller to generate modem and/or system operation signals to assist in operation of the DSL system.